The theme ‘Stronger together: Progress through partnerships’ is a call to reimagine partnerships in Africa’s journey towards minerals for inclusive prosperity – not as tools of convenience, but as instruments of collective empowerment. It’s a reminder that Africa’s transformation through minerals, can only be achieved when we all – especially women, youth, marginalised communities, artisanal and small-scale miners, governments, industry, civil society, academia, cooperating partners – sit at the table as equal partners. It means forging alliances that centre equity, amplify African voices, and ensure our continent’s mineral wealth transforms lives – not in isolation, but through unity, equity, and shared purpose. Through bold partnerships and a commitment to equity, we can rewrite the story of our mineral wealth – not as a curse, but as a catalyst for justice, prosperity, and dignity for all Africans. Stronger together, we rise!
Dr Marit Kitaw
Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa